What's new in Myanmar (Burma)

We have some exciting new additions to our vacations to Myanmar (Burma).

It has been almost two years since we recommenced our small group tours to Myanmar and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive amongst our clients, with the destination having a profoundly positive impact on even the some of most well-traveled passengers. With your feedback and the insights from our Western tour leaders and local guides in Myanmar, we’ve some exciting new additions to our Myanmar (Burma) vacations for 2014.

Bells of Golden Rock

The Jade Market in Mandalay

Set just outside the heart of Mandalay city, the Jade market is rugged and workmanlike as local wholesalers and independent collectors barter for uncut and rough blocks of precious jade, or hunt for beautifully finished products include jewelry and ornaments.

This intimate market is largely free from tourists and remains a serious place of business for local Burmese, giving travelers a unique insight into the local economy and the perfect opportunity to people watch!

The Royal Palace in Mandalay

Originally built in the mid-18th century, though once numerous, this is the last of Myanmar (Burma)’s royal palaces. Surrounded by an impressive moat, the palace is built almost entirely and uniquely of wood, and still has some original features like a teak clock tower and traditionally built city walls.

A lasting symbol of Myanmar (Burma)’s extensive and rich history, the Royal Palace was home to the country’s last two monarchs of the Konbaung Dynasty, who in 1885 marked the end of a royal line that stretched back over one thousand years.

Inle Lake, linger a little longer

Some travelers on our Highlights of Myanmar (Burma) tour have told us that they fell in love withInle Lake as soon as they arrived and it was a shame to leave it after just one night. They recommended we increase the amount of time spent there, allowing our travelers to explore this iconic lake and its surroundings at a more relaxed pace. From March 2014, all our Highlights of Myanmar small group tours will have an additional night at Inle Lake to relax and enjoy one of the country’s most picturesque regions – the perfect way to wind down as the journey draws to a close.

Inle Lake

Elephant camp, Kalaw:

Lack of regulation and local need has led to localised deforestation in many parts of Myanmar (Burma), but a project located just outside of the old British-colonial hill-station of Kalaw is trying to reverse the damage. Like neighboring Laos and Thailand, elephants have been central to everyday local life. Alongside seeing the reforestation project, travelers will get to interact with the camps native elephants and their local Burmese carers, or as they are known locally, ‘oozies’.

A day trip to this camp is included on all our Myanmar (Burma) Revealed small group tours from March 2014 which also means an additional night in the tranquil hill station of Kalaw, resplendent with British-colonial architecture. On leaving Kalaw you will experience a fun train ride through the lovely Shan Hills – a fantastic local experience!